Best Waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park (+6 easy to see waterfalls in Mount Rainier)
Chantelle KincyAre you looking for the best waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park?
As an avid hiker and a frequent visitor to Mount Rainier National Park, I can attest that there is no shortage of stunning scenery to explore in this natural wonderland.
But if you’re anything like me, there’s something extra special about the roar of cascading waterfalls that makes the heart skip a beat.
I’m excited to share my expertise with you on the best waterfalls to explore in Mount Rainier National Park.
Having spent countless days hiking through the park, I’ve had the opportunity to discover hidden gems and popular favorites alike.
From towering cascades to gentle trickles, there’s a waterfall in Mount Rainier National Park for every type of adventurer.
Did you know there are over 150 waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park?
So, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, let’s explore Mount Rainier National Park’s best waterfalls and experience the magic of these natural wonders together.
Waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park
The Best Waterfall in Mount Rainier National Park: Christine Falls
Christine Falls is one of Mount Rainier National Park’s most photographed and recognizable waterfalls.
Luckily, it is also one of the easiest to view!
Christine Falls is a picturesque waterfall in Mount Rainier National Park that attracts visitors year-round. It is easily accessible, just off the main road through the park.
Visitors can reach Christine Falls by driving along Stevens Canyon Road, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The falls are located near the park entrance, and a parking lot is available for visitors to park their vehicles.
The best time to visit Christine Falls is during the summer when the snow has melted, and the water flow is at its highest. However, the falls are accessible year-round, and each season offers its unique beauty.
In the fall, visitors can witness the changing colors of the surrounding foliage, while in the winter, the frozen landscape offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
It’s important to note that the road to Christine Falls may be closed during winter due to snow, so it’s essential to check with the park’s website or visitor center before planning a trip.
Once at the falls, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views from the various viewing points near the parking lot.
Christine Falls is a must-see destination in Mount Rainier National Park, and visitors should add it to their itinerary when exploring this beautiful park.
Christine Falls is 69 feet tall.
Narada Falls
The hike from Paradise to Narada Falls:
Distance: 2.4 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate
The hike from the parking lot to Narada Falls:
Distance: .02 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Easy
Narada Falls is a stunning waterfall in Mount Rainier National Park. It offers visitors a breathtaking view of cascading water.
Visitors can take Paradise Road from the Nisqually Entrance to the park to reach the falls. The drive takes visitors through dense forests, with glimpses of the mountain peak.
Once at Narada Falls, a parking lot is available for visitors to park their vehicles, and the falls are just a short walk away.
The best time to visit Narada Falls is during the late spring and early summer months when the snow has melted and the water flow is at its highest.
At Narada Falls, visitors can enjoy views of the cascading water from the various viewing points near the parking lot. For a more immersive experience, they can hike down a short trail to the base of the falls.
The trail is steep but accessible to hikers of all skill levels. At the base of the falls, visitors can feel the mist of the cascading water and take in the majesty of this natural wonder.
It’s essential to exercise caution when hiking to the base of the falls. The concrete can be slippery, and you may get wet!
Narada Falls is a must-see destination in Mount Rainier National Park, and visitors should add it to their itinerary when exploring this beautiful park.
Myrtle Falls
Distance: .08 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back (Combined with the skyline trail, one of the best hikes in Mount Rainier NP)
Difficulty: Easy
Myrtle Falls is 72 feet of beautiful cascading water with Mount Rainier in the background.
Myrtle Falls is a beautiful waterfall in the Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park. It is accessible from the Nisqually Entrance to the park by driving along Paradise Road.
Once at the Paradise area, visitors can park their vehicles in the large parking lot and take a short hike to the falls.
The best time to visit Myrtle Falls is during the summer when the wildflowers are in bloom and the water flow is at its highest.
However, the falls are accessible year-round and offer a unique experience in each season. In the fall, visitors can enjoy the changing colors of the foliage, while in the winter, the frozen landscape provides a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
Visitors should note that the Paradise area may be closed during winter due to snow, so checking with the park’s website or visitor center before planning a trip is essential.
The hike to Myrtle Falls is short and accessible to hikers of all skill levels. The trail is paved and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Visitors can enjoy views of the cascading water from the various viewing points along the trail at the falls.
It’s essential to exercise caution when hiking to the base of the falls, as the rocks can be slippery, and the current can be strong.
Additionally, visitors should be aware that the Paradise area is a popular destination in the park, and the parking lot can fill up quickly during peak times.
Wilson Glacier Falls
Wilson Glacier Falls isn’t technically in the Paradise area of the park. I put it here in the list because you can see it from the trails that lead from Paradise. There is no way to get close to it so you’ll have to admire this one from afar. I love this one because it is super unique.
Martha Falls
Distance: 1.8 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Easy
Martha Falls is 150 tall and is visible from the road. Take the Stevens Canyon Entrance and drive about 13.5 miles. There is a small unmarked pull-out, and you will be able to see the waterfall on the opposite side of the canyon.
Visitors can access the falls by taking Stevens Canyon Road and parking at the Reflection Lakes parking area. From there, they can take a short hike of approximately 0.7 miles to Martha Falls.
The best time to visit Martha Falls is during the late spring and early summer months when the snow has melted and the water flow is at its highest.
Visitors should note that Stevens Canyon Road may be closed during winter due to snow, so checking with the park’s website or visitor center before planning a trip is essential.
The hike to Martha Falls offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including panoramic views of Mount Rainier. Visitors can enjoy views of the cascading water from the various viewing points along the trail at the falls.
It’s essential to exercise caution when hiking to Martha Falls, as the trail can be rocky and steep in places. Additionally, visitors should know that hiking can be challenging, and proper hiking equipment and clothing are recommended.
Silver Falls
Distance: 4 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Silver Falls is not the biggest waterfall in Mount Rainier National Park, but getting there is gorgeous. Forest, moss, river, and a waterfall await you on this trail. Start at the Ohanapecosh Campground.
Look for campsite B-2 and the trail will be there. The trail to Silver Falls is easy and is a 3-mile loop.
Mount Rainier National Park
Washington State has three National Parks: Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park, and Mount Rainier National Park.
Mount Rainier National Park is located in Washington State, about 2.5 hours SE from Seattle.
The park is 369 sq miles. There are 240 miles of maintained trails!
Mount Rainier National Park is divided into five developed areas: Longmire, Paradise, Carbon River/Mowich, Ohanapecosh, and Sunrise. At the bottom of this post, is more information on each area and how to access it.
Mount Rainier Entrances
Mount Rainier National Park is huge, as I mentioned above. There are 4 entrances, one for each corner of the park. Check where the waterfalls you want to see are and use the entrance closer to you.
Some entrances aren’t open all year, so check ahead on the NPS site. The most popular entrance is Nisqually, and you can expect to see the longest lines here. Paradise and Sunrise are the most popular areas with the most popular trails. During busy times, you may have better luck finding solitude in one of the other areas.
South West Entrance to Mount Rainier National Park
- Longmire- Located in the southwest corner of the park. To access the Longmire area of Mount Rainier, you will need to use the Nisqually Entrance via SR 706.
- Longmire is the park’s historic area. There is a museum and 4 structures listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Longmire is open year-round, as is the Nisqually Entrance.
- Paradise is also SW in the park and accessible from the Nisqually entrance. Paradise is just a past Longmire. The road between the 2 is plowed during the winter, and Paradise is used for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and tubing. Many of the park’s most popular hikes during the summer start from the Paradise Visitor Center Parking lot.
North West Entrance to Mount Rainier National Park
- Carbon River/Mowich is the NW part of Mount Rainier National Park. Accessible via SR 165. Note: Vehicle access is only permitted to the park entrance, bike, and pedestrian traffic is allowed past that. Carbon River area features a temperate rainforest and the largest and deepest lake in the park (Mowich)
South East Entrance to Mount Rainier National Park
- Ohanapecosh (say that 3 times fast) is the SE corner and accessed through the Stevens Canyon Entrance via Hwy 12. The area is not accessible during the winter. The area is dryer and warmer than Paradise and features amazing old-growth forests.
North East Entrance to Mount Ranier National Park
- The Sunrise/White River entrance is on the NE side of Mount Rainier National Park. It is located off SR 410, the Chinook Scenic Byway. It is not accessible during the winter. Sunrise is the highest drivable point in the park, and my favorite place to see wildflowers.
The Best Waterfalls in Mount Rainier
In conclusion, Mount Rainier National Park is a true gem of the Pacific Northwest, and its waterfalls are some of the most beautiful natural wonders to explore.
The park’s waterfalls, from the cascading waters of Christine Falls to the stunning vistas of Myrtle Falls, offer visitors an unforgettable experience.
Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a casual adventurer, the park’s waterfalls are accessible to all, and each one offers a unique perspective of the park’s diverse landscape.
As you plan your trip to Mount Rainier National Park, include a visit to some of these stunning waterfalls on your itinerary.
And don’t forget to bring your camera, as the views are breathtaking.
Whether you are looking for a peaceful escape or a thrilling adventure, the waterfalls of Mount Rainier National Park are sure to leave you in awe of the power and beauty of nature.
I think that’s really cool that there are so many waterfalls near Mt. Rainier! I really love that view of Myrtle Falls with Mt. Rainer so clear and unobstructed in the background. Christine Falls also sort of reminds me of Multnomah Falls in Oregon. I’d love to see both on my next trip to the National Park!
The PNW is so beautiful and I need to get there to explore it. I never knew that the falls I had seen in so many pictures (Christy Falls, I learned today) was easily accessible. Bonus!
We love to chase waterfalls when we explore outdoors. Since Mt Rainier has been on our travel plans for some time it was great to see all the wonderful waterfalls we can plan to see on a visit. How fun to catch a rainbow too on your visit. I love the view from further back of Myrtle Falls. Makes you understand how broad the whole falls are.
WOW! This is beautiful. I don’t know why we have never explored the Northwestern part of the US past Yellowstone…Gorgeous! I LOVE waterfalls and nature!
I so love waterfalls! These are beautiful and each one is different.
Thanks Leeanne
I love all these waterfalls. There are some really big drops too which is always special to see. Love your photos.
I love the area but I haven’t been to the park. Looks gorgeous and a must see destination.
Gorgeous! I would love to take this waterfall tour!
Based on your photos, I liked Silver Falls. It looks so relaxing.
Me too!
Wow. So many beautiful waterfalls to see!! Yet another reason to visit Mt. Rainier National Park!
These waterfalls are so beautiful! I really do hope to visit all the National Parks one day!
I think they are awesome waterfalls at Mount Rainer National Park. I’d like doing photography there.
What an amazing trip! I love waterfalls and love to work my road trips around them. Thanks for sharing!
Wow – that’s a lot of waterfalls! Beautiful ones too.
It’s so pretty!
Than sounds like so much fun!
How beautiful! I love to hike to waterfalls. I think Silver Falls would be a fun hike!
We are planning a trip next summer in this direction. I don’t know if we’ll get to do everything I want to do. So far, I have two nights booked at Old Faithful Inn for next July in Yellowstone, so I still have a lot to plan. It makes me happy to plan, though. I’m hoping to do Washington and Oregon on this trip because I haven’ t been to those states yet. Mount Rainier National Park looks so beautiful. I hope I can work it in!
All of the waterfalls mentioned look so beautiful! I would love to hike around Myrtle Falls!
All of the parks that you have mentioned look so beautiful! I would love to go on a hike at Myrtle Falls!
Waterfalls are my thing! Love the one surrounded in snow!